Austin Berchtold, son of Jerry and Misty Griffin, has been accepted to West Point. Being accepted for admission to the United States Military Academy (USMA) at West Point is an exceptional honor reserved for the nation’s most exceptional students. But it takes more than excellent grades to be accepted. USMA also wants leaders who are physically fit and of outstanding character. Those who are selected to attend USMA receive a college education that is unparalleled in the world with tuition, room and board and expenses fully paid, according to USMA at West Point. Upon graduation and throughout their life, their degree will speak volumes about their abilities, character, and leadership. They will be part of a highly distinguished and internationally respected membership, a member of the Long Gray Line. Each year thousands of high school students apply for admission to USMA at West Point, but only a few are accepted and Austin was blessed to be among the few.
When asked what got him interested in West Point, he simply replied “Joining JROTC and meeting CSM Beard sparked my interest in serving my country.” CSM Beard suggested Austin research West Point and when Austin did, he found that it was a perfect fit for his life goals.
Originally, Austin said he intended to apply to all of the service academies, but then decided to only apply to his top two choices which were the USMA and USNA (United States Naval Academy). While he received nominations for both, his appointment to West Point came just before his visit to the campus. He accepted his appointment Jan. 21 while at the academy.
After determining the basic requirements of becoming a cadet are met, interested parties should begin seeking nominations per the USMA West Point Admissions Office. To be considered for admission, a nomination is required. There are two types of nominations, the Congressional Nomination and the Service-Connected Nomination.
Congressional Nominations come from the Vice President, U.S. Senators, U.S. Representatives, Delegates to the House of Representative from Washington, D.C., Guam and the Virgin Islands, the Governors of American Samoa and Puerto Rico, the Resident Commissioner of Puerto Rico, the Resident Commissioner of the Northern Mariana Islands and the Secretary of the Army.
Service-connected nominations occur when a candidate applies for eligible nominations by submitting a request to the two U.S. senators from their state, their congressional representative in the House of Representatives and the Vice President. If a candidate is not nominated through any of those competitive processes, they can still be placed on a national waiting list and be offered admission.
Austin chose to utilize a Congressional nomination. However, after completing his interviews, Austin wasn’t sure he would receive one. But he received nominations from Senator Johnny Isakson, Senator Saxby Chambliss and Representative Austin Scott. “Receiving calls from each of them informing me of my acceptance was surreal to me.”
Austin is leaning toward majoring in Political Science or History because he enjoys the law, government, and history. “This would also allow me to earn a law degree after graduation. However, I am also considering Engineering, because West Point has a very impressive reputation as an engineering school.”
Upon graduation, Austin has a service obligation of eight years. He said if all goes well he will resign with the intent of becoming at least a Colonel during his career. “Being a General is also a dream of mine I wish to attain.”
Austin’s favorite West Point graduates include Robert E. Lee and William J. Worth. He admires Lee’s character and how he portrays Austin’s southern heritage. Worth, a namesake of our county, offers a memorable quote taught to Austin by his teacher, Josh Miller: “But an officer on duty knows no one — to be partial is to dishonor both himself and the object of his ill-advised favor. What will be thought of him who exacts of his friends that which disgraces him? Look at him who winks at and overlooks offences in one, which he causes to be punished in another, and contrast him with the inflexible soldier who does his duty faithfully, notwithstanding it occasionally wars with his private feelings. The conduct of one will be venerated and emulated, the other detested as a satire upon soldiership and honor.”
Austin has enjoyed his senior year of high school greatly. He is a part of the Color Guard at Worth County High School. The Color Guard consists of four cadets selected to present our nation’s colors during organized events and competition – two presenting the flags and two carrying rifles. The Worth County Color Guard has won the State Competition 16 times. These cadets are responsible for proper presentation of the United States and Georgia flag during all ceremonies and football games. Austin is also the Ram Battalion Commander for the 2013-2014 school year.
Congratulations, Austin and we wish you the best!
